New Zealand: Indian-origin man dies after attack

Photo of Tarun Asthana from his FB profile.

A 25-year-old Indian-origin trainee teacher in New Zealand died on Monday after he was punched outside a fast food outlet in central Auckland.

Tarun Asthana, who was on life support in a hospital since he was assaulted on Saturday morning, died in Auckland City Hospital on Monday, police said.

He was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death, local media quoting police officials reported.

Asthana was on his way home after clubbing with friends when he was attacked.

The offender had allegedly approached Asthana after a woman got upset when he complimented her on her dress.

Asthana was knocked to the ground by a single punch and lost consciousness after his head struck the pavement outside a McDonald's in downtown Queen St, the reports said.

He was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support.

Detective senior sergeant Peter Florence on Sunday said the attacker had been in McDonald's with several other men and women and the group had left straight after the attack.

Police arrested 27-year-old Grenville MacFarland on Sunday and charged him with assaulting Asthana. He was produced in the Auckland district court on Monday. His charge has not yet been updated to reflect Asthana's death.

MacFarland has been remanded on bail until November 15.

Inquiries are on and police are seeking any information from people who were in the area at the time and witnessed the assault.

Sam Matthews, a friend of Asthana's, said he was the "most nice, peaceful guy out".

Asthana was training to become a primary school teacher at the University of Auckland. He worked part-time at a restaurant.

His former employer at The Falls Restaurant said Asthana was a "kind, loyal, fun- loving guy. He was always respectful and nice to be around."